Method and apparatus for making fabric samples

Abstract

A method and apparatus for preparing fabric samples is provided. The method includes applying an adhesive in the form of a web at predetermined intervals along a length of fabric, and cutting the fabric into a series of individual fabric samples such that the adhesive overlies the first and second side edges of the fabric samples, preventing fraying of the edges. The apparatus includes rollers for applying the adhesive web onto the fabric and a heating device for heating and adhering the adhesive onto the fabric. The treated fabric samples may be assembled into a book or binder for use.

1 . A method of making fabric samples comprising: 
 providing a length of fabric;    applying an adhesive along the length of said fabric at predetermined intervals; and    cutting said fabric into a series of fabric samples having first and second side edges and first and second end edges such that said adhesive overlies said first and second side edges of each fabric sample and prevents fraying of said edges.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said adhesive is in the form of a web.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  including heating said adhesive after applying said adhesive to said fabric.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  including cooling said adhesive after heating said adhesive.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said fabric has a front face and a back face and said adhesive is applied to said back face.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  including adhering a strip of paper or plastic to at least one end edge of each adhesive-treated fabric sample.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  including assembling said series of fabric samples in the form of a stack.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  including assembling said stacked fabric samples in a book or binder.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said adhesive comprises a hot melt adhesive.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for making fabric samples comprising: 
 a conveyor for supporting and feeding a length of fabric;    a plurality of rotatable rolls supported above said fabric and positioned at predetermined intervals across the width of said fabric, said rolls containing an adhesive for application to said fabric;    a plurality of rotatable guide rolls positioned in alignment with said plurality of adhesive-containing rolls for applying said adhesive along the length of said fabric at said predetermined intervals; and    a device for heating and adhering said adhesive to said fabric.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said heating device comprises a plurality of heated bars.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further including a mechanism for cooling said adhesive after it is adhered to said fabric.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said cooling mechanism comprises a plurality of cooling bars.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said adhesive is in the form of a web.  
   
   
       15 . A sample book containing a series of fabric samples prepared by the method of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       16 . A sample book containing a series of fabric samples having first and second side edges, wherein each of said fabric samples includes an adhesive along said first and second side edges for preventing fraying of said edges.  
   
   
       17 . A fabric sample formed by the method of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       18 . A fabric sample having first and second side edges and first and second end edges, said first and second side edges including an adhesive thereon for preventing fraying of said edges, said fabric sample further including a strip of paper or plastic on at least one of said first and second end edges.